SEVERAL key airline services have been scaled back as the Scottish provider faces financial pressures.
Loganair's services between Inverness and Stornoway, as well as those between Inverness, Orkney and Shetland, will be reduced from July 19, the provider confirmed.
The Scottish airliner said that "after reviewing all operational and financial options, we can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business."
It is understood that the airline had requested an additional funding package from the Scottish Government-owned airport manager Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), but the full amount requested was not granted and instead a lower offer was made.
The National understands that the services were used by relatively few passengers, but provided a key connection to access employment, education and healthcare to those who used it regularly.
In a statement, Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad said she has "taken action to establish a cross party islands constituency MSP group to discuss how we can work together to elevate island voices across our parliament.
"I met this morning with the other MSPs whose constituencies are affected by Loganair’s plans. I believe there is more that we can achieve together than individually.”
She added: "I am deeply concerned about the news from Loganair and have taken immediate action, voicing my concerns to the Transport Secretary directly.
"The Transport Secretary and I are due to meet later today to explore solutions to safeguard this service."
Speaking on Tuesday at First Ministers Question's, Orkney MSP Liam Macarthur said: "These cuts to lifeline air services to the Northern and Western Isles are concerning.
"They will reduce options for those who rely on the routes while potentially pushing up costs for health boards.
"I met Loganair’s management earlier this week where they argued that the cuts are an inevitable consequence of a lack of support from HIAL.
"As HIAL is government-owned, islanders have a right to expect the First Minister and his Transport Secretary to step in.
"I’m pleased that the First Minister appeared to accept this and has assured me that the Transport Secretary will now engage with HIAL and Loganair in a bid to find a resolution.
"I hope this process can pave the way for an agreement that protects services and meets the needs of islanders".
A spokesperson for Loganair added: "Loganair can confirm that services on the Inverness–Stornoway and Inverness–Kirkwall–Sumburgh routes will be reduced from 19 July 2026, following extensive discussions with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and other stakeholders.
“We recognise how important these routes are to the communities they serve, and this decision has not been taken lightly.
"However, after reviewing all operational and financial options, we can no longer sustain the current level of service without impacting the wider business.
“We remain committed to the Highlands and Islands and are ready to continue discussions with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other partners.
"If appropriate support becomes available, we will welcome the opportunity to restore the full winter timetable.
“Our focus now is on protecting essential connectivity and ensuring customers have clear information about the revised schedule.”
The airliner recently announced plans to scrap its Dundee-London Heathrow services, saying it "continues to review our network and the long-term viability of all routes."
